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MP praises Lord Touhig for war pardon work

ISLWYN MP Chris Evans has paid tribute to the work of his predecessor Lord Touhig for his role in campaigning to pardon soldiers of the First World War shot at dawn for cowardice and desertion.

During the Blackwood and District Heritage Association’s recent First World War Centenary Commemoration, Mr Evans paid tribute to the former Veterans Minister who introduced the Armed Forces Bill which pardoned those killed.

Some 306 soldiers were shot during the First World War, many of whom were suffering from shell-shock. In August 2006, the Ministry of Defence announced that each soldier would be granted posthumous pardons.

Mr Evans said: “As we mark 100 years since the Great War, we will rightly remember all of those that lost their lives in this terrible conflict.

“Thanks to Don’s diligent and tireless work those that were unfairly labelled cowards during the First World War will also be commemorated.

“The families of those shot at dawn will forever be grateful to Don and I pay tribute to him for his role in the campaign to pardon the 306 British soldiers.”